THE FUCHSIA IS NOW

Age Range: 5 - 7

Seibold gives a child a set of more or less imaginary playmates in this twee, quirky episode. Out of the fuchsia flower with which young Fuchsia decides to decorate her birthday hat drops a fairy, who with a wave of her wand furnishes three companions aptly named Pigoh, Fwoggy and Meowse. Though the three disappear at day’s end, the fairy assures Fuchsia that the magic words of the title will bring them back any time. Printed on card stock with rounded corners, the illustrations feature thick-lined cartoon figures with big, solid black eyes placed against monochromatic backgrounds. Pre-readers may enjoy the story, but the punning title promises clever developments that never materialize. (Picture book. 5-7)